Improvement in necklace-fastenings



E. s. DODGE.

Improvement in Necklace-Fastenings.

Patented Ju ly UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EZRA S. DODGE, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.

' IMPROVEMENT IN NECKLACE-FASTENINGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 129,1ll, dated July 16, 1872.

To all whom it may concern;

Be it known that I, EZRA S. DODGE, of the city and county of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, have invented anew and useful Necklace-Clasp.

My invention consists in constructing fixed chain-eyes at both ends of the clasp for the reception of the end links of the chain, or special links prepared for the purpose, and in having one or both of the eyes provided with an entrance, which is guarded by a spring latch or bolt, for preventing the escape of the chain therefrom, except by special manipulation; and I do hereby declare that the following specification, taken in connection with the drawing furnished and forming a part of the same, is a clear, true, and exact description of several styles of clasps embodying my invention.

Referring to the drawing, Figure 1 represents in perspective one of my clasps. Fig. 2 represents the same in longitudinal section. Figs. 3, 4, and 6 represent in perspective other styles of clasps embodying my invention. Fig. g repiesents in longitudinal section the clasp,

Ain each of the figures denotes the body of the clasp. It is tubular in its structure, and may be round, as in Fig. 1, hexagonal, as in Fig. 3, fluted, or with any convenient or desirable configuration which will correspond with the style of chain with which it is to be worn. B and B denote in each instance the chain-eyes. In Figs. 1, 3, 6, the eyes B" are represented as if closed and rigidly attached to the closed end of the body A, and also thereto on one side adjacent to the end. To this closed eye one end of the necklace is to be permanently attached when sold therewith. The

eyes B in all the figures are open at their upper sides. 0 denotes, in each instance, a guardbolt, which crosses the opening in the eyes B. It projects from the interior of the body A, to which it is fitted, and is actuated by an expansive spiral spring located within the body of the clasp, as is clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 5.

In Figs. 1 and 2 a projecting stud is shown, which emerges from the bolt through a slot in the body, which serves as a means for operating the bolt. It is not essential, however, that a stud be employed, as the bolt can be as readily operated by pressing directly upon its end.

It is preferable that there be an opening in the outer end of the bolt, into which the end of the chain-eye may project, as shown in all of the sectional figures.

In Figs. 4 and 5 I have exhibited an ornaornamental scroll-work, and serve to illustrate the variety of design into which my clasps may be desirably extended. With the clasp so constructed-with open eyes at each end-a combined ornament and clasp may be worn with any chain.

As heretofore constructed, necklace-clasps have usually been made in two pieces, each of which was permanently secured to opposite ends of the chain; spring-latches on one side, having square-bearing shoulders for engaging with corresponding shoulders on the opposite side, variously constructed, have been employed for maintaining connection between the parts. As is well known, after slight wear, the shoulders becoming irregular, they fail to hold the two parts together, resulting in frequent losses more or less serious in character, and in almost constant annoyance to the wearer. As an incident peculiar to their structure, it is unsafe to wear neck-lockets or other heavy ornaments adjacent to a clasp of the ordinary construction, for if they come in contact with the projecting spring-latch, the clasp will become separated, neither is" it desirable to have such clasps in front, and in practice, it may be noticedthat ladies usually have them on the back side of the neck. Should ornaments be directly attached to the old-style clasps, their largely constructed for use in connection with ships tackle, harness, and even vestguards and watch-chains; and that, in someof such, the eye of the hook has been guarded by spring-bolts and other equivalent devices; and I therefore make no claim to anything involved in the construction of my necklace-clasp applicable to such hooks. I am not aware that prior to my invention there existed a necklace-clasp, nor any device practicably useful as such, which would be suited to the requirements of the trade, and of wearers in general, in which the two chain-eyes were attached permanently to the body of the clasp, nor in which either it or both of the eyes were open, but provided 

